Policy Attorney

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. This is an attorney position in the Policy Department, one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Policy Department provides legal support to HHSC and DSHS programs and administrative areas in policy development, rulemaking, legislative implementation, program operations, and other general legal needs. As the legal department with the most day-to-day interaction with program areas, the Policy Department connects program areas to resources in other Legal Services departments when there is a need for specialized support. This position’s primary assignment is to provide legal support to the Regulatory, Community, and Family Health Services areas of HHSC. This position performs highly complex legal work overseeing and planning legal activities, preparing legal documents, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This work involves providing legal advice related to policy matters, including rulemaking, open meetings, and legislative interpretation.

Requirements

Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and of agency administrative rules and regulations.
Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.
Ability to prepare opinions and briefs; to prepare cases for hearing or trial; to conduct research; to summarize findings; to interpret and apply laws; to use legal reference materials; to communicate effectively; to consult other attorneys when appropriate; and to provide guidance to others.
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.
At least four years of experience as a licensed attorney.
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Responsibilities

Advises HHS system clients and OCC leadership on legal matters and the drafting, interpretation, and application of agency policy; HHS and other agency regulations in the Texas Administrative Code; state law, including the Government Code and Health and Safety Code; and federal law and regulations, including those concerning public health and welfare.
Supports or assists in the development of strategies and programs to implement legislative, programmatic, and policy initiatives.
Reviews and analyzes legislation that may affect HHS System programs, operations, or policy.